tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant trastuzumab and vinorelbine (TV) for early-stage HER2+ breast cancer.
Authors: Shannon McLaughlin, Erika Nakajima, Steven J. Isakoff, Jennifer Shin, Beverly Moy, Aditya Bardia, Irene Kuter, Laura Spring
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2022)

e12521 Background: The anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab has vastly improved outcomes for women with early stage and advanced HER2+ breast cancer (BC) when used in combination with chemotherapy. Anthracycline and taxane-based regimens have historically made up the chemotherapy backbone for patients with localized HER2+ BC, though recent evidence suggests anthracyclines can be safely omitted. The single arm phase II APT trial established trastuzumab and paclitaxel as the standard adjuvant regimen for small HER2+ tumors. However, paclitaxel requires weekly treatment, causes alopecia, and has high rates of neuropathy and hypersensitivity reactions. In patients with metastatic HER2+ BC, the combination of trastuzumab and vinorelbine (TV) is effective and well tolerated. There is a need for alternative regimens for patients with HER2+ early-stage BC, especially for those with contraindications to anthracycline and taxane-based regimens. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with early stage HER2+ BC treated with adjuvant TV to evaluate a non-anthracycline/taxane-based, alopecia-sparing regimen. Methods: Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes of patients with localized HER2+ BC treated with adjuvant TV for from 2007 to 2021 at a large academic medical institution were collected. Study endpoints included invasive disease-free survival (IDFS), overall survival (OS), and safety/tolerability. IDFS and OS were measured from start date of TV treatment to date of event or last follow-up, respectively. 5-year survival rates were generated in GraphPad Prism. Results: A total of 25 patients were treated with TV. All patients received trastuzumab at standard dosing and vinorelbine at a starting dose of 25 mg/m2 on days 1/8 of a 21-day cycle with 4 planned cycles. Median age at diagnosis was 61 years (range: 36-81). 88% of patients had anatomic pathologic Stage IA BC and 12% Stage IIA BC. Of the 25 patients, 24 of them opted to pursue TV due to concerns over alopecia, neuropathy, and other toxicities while 1 patient had received prior adriamycin and therefore opted for TV. With a median follow-up time of 68 months (5.7 years), the 5-year rate of survival from invasive disease was 90.9%, with 1 local and 1 distant recurrence. The 5-year overall survival was 100%. 76% of patients completed 4 cycles of TV without dose holds or delays and 92% completed 4 cycles without dose reductions. 2 patients required hospitalization during treatment with TV due to toxicity (diarrhea attributed to V, rigors/fever attributed to T). No patients experienced alopecia or long-term neuropathy. Conclusions: Trastuzumab in combination with vinorelbine in the adjuvant, early-stage setting for HER2+ BC is effective and well-tolerated and warrants further exploration as an alternative to taxane-based regimen.
Pancreatic cancer germline mutation report: An in-depth analysis of demographics, mutation profile, and patient survival.
Authors: Xianghui Zou, Baho Sidiqi, Sunita Patruni, Christopher Hollweg, Noah D. Kauff, Daniel King
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2022)

e16233 Background: Germline genetic testing is now recommended for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We explored whether attributes of testing, such as uptake fraction and rate, were associated with various clinical features. Here we examined germline mutations found in our database, identified barriers to germline testing, and explored a relationship between mutations and survival in our cohort of patients from New York’s largest healthcare system. Methods: Patients with PDAC were identified using billing records across our institution with an IRB-approved protocol. Germline mutation data were assessed through chart review. Median income was annotated using zip codes and www.census.gov. Date of diagnosis (DOD) was recorded as the date of biopsy or, if no biopsy was performed, the date of earliest lesion-found CT scan. Lag of testing was calculated as the difference between DOD and the date of germline sample collection. Overall survival (OS) was calculated by mutational status. Results: Between Mar 2016 and Feb 2022, 305 patients with PDAC were identified, with 103 (36.3%) having reports found (F), and 202 (63.7%) not having reports found (NF). Availability of germline testing did not vary by median income (F: 95954 dollars vs NF: 94368 dollars, t = 0.414, p = 0.68). The geographic distribution of patients among F and NF is listed below in Table. Pearson analysis between median income and lag of testing showed a negative correlation (y = -0.0027x+315.6, R = -0.241, p = 0.014). Level of income (cutoff: 100k) also affected the mean days in lag of testing (below: 111.8d, above: -44.0d, t = 2.190, p = 0.031). There was no difference in the median survival between F and NF (median: F: 573d, NF: 717d, HR 0.459-1.155, p = 0.17). For mutational analysis, 103 patients with PDAC were identified: 59 without germline mutations (GMs) (12 deaths), and 44 with GMs (16 deaths). We identified 7 patients with pathogenic GMs (APC, ATM, BRCA2, CHEK2, CDKN2A, and PALB2) and 41 patients with variants of unknown significance (VUS), including ATM (6), BRCA2 (4), MSH6 (3) and CHEK2 (2). OS was not statistically different between GM and no GM (Median OS: no GM 1520d; GM 573d, HR 0.394-1.871, p = 0.702). Conclusions: Analysis of germline and clinical data from our 305-patient cohort identified a striking and concerning negative correlation between patient median income and lag between DOD and germline testing. These results compel further investigation into the operational processes that prompt germline testing at our institution. [Table: see text]
NFB-22. Neurofibromatosis Therapeutics Program: Development of a Program
Authors: Molly Hemenway, Nicholas Foreman, Sara Kristinsson
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2022)

Abstract Neurofibromatosis (NF) therapeutics is a vital field in the care of children with NF. Recent developments in the treatment of plexiform neurofibromas (PN) have increased the numbers of patients seen for therapy. The Neurofibromatosis Therapeutics Program (NTP) provides high quality care to patients receiving therapy for brain tumors and PNs, as well as tumors related to NF2. The program at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) includes a physician, nurse practitioner, and nurse care coordinator. The team collaborates with other disciplines in the care of the NF patient with plexiform neurofibromas and/or CNS tumors. As the program grew, key players were identified in each subspecialty and educated about the NTP. We have ongoing regular communication with a large number of subspecialists regarding protocols, clinical care pathways, and mutual patients. In addition, an extensive tissue collection study of plexiform neurofibromas and brain tumors enhances NTPs devotion to both clinical and lab research. Weekly clinical care meetings ensure continuity in the care of the nearly 140 patients with NF1 and NF2 under our program. Monthly strategy and vision meetings focus on grant applications, education of primary care providers and subspecialists in our large catchment area, development of new clinical pathways, treatment roadmaps, and growth of our program. Over the last two years of being a formalized program, we have increased research on the epigenetics of plexiform neurofibromas, opened a Phase 2 clinical trial for a Mek inhibitor, and increased our patient volume. The Covid pandemic has increased our ability to manage treatment side effects virtually through telehealth and online patient portals. Future goals of the NTP include completion of a program website, quarterly patient and provider newsletters, educational offerings, collaboration with other centers on Mek inhibitor side effects, adolescent and young adult education on tumor risk, and transition to adult care.
MEDB-29. Application of Rotterdam Post-Operative Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome Prediction Model to Patients Operated for Medulloblastoma in a Single Institution
Authors: Raja Khan, Bush Savannah, Frederick Boop, Amar Gajjar, Zoltan Patay, Giles Robinson, Paul Klimo
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2022)

Abstract BACKGROUND: Post-operative cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) develops in up to 30% of children. The Rotterdam model (RM) predicts a 66% risk of CMS in patients with a score ≥100. However, our findings suggested that surgical experience contributes to CMS risk. The aim of this study was to retrospectively apply the RM and report incidence of CMS in high-risk patients from our institution. METHODS: Participants had to have first tumor resection at our institution and be enrolled on SJMB12 protocol (NCT01878617). All participants got structured serial neurologic evaluations. CMS, when present, was categorized into type 1 (complete mutism) and type 2 (paucity of speech with an inability to string 3-word sentence). Rotterdam score is calculated based on pre-operative imaging parameters and study neurologist (RBK) obtained it while blinded to CMS status. RESULTS: Of the 40 (14 female, 26 male) study participants, 4 (10%) had CMS (3 CMS1, 1 CMS2). Median age at tumor resection was 11.7 years (range 3.5-17.8). Tumor location was midline in 30 (75%), right lateral 6 (15%) and left lateral 4 (10%). Median Evans index was 0.3 (0.2-0.4) and 34 (85%) were ≥0.3 (indicative of hydrocephalus); 5 participants needed ventricular shunt. Median tumor volume was 50 cm3 (2-180.6). Gross total resection was achieved in 35 (87.5%), near total in 4 (10%) and subtotal in 1. Twelve tumors were SHH, 7 WNT, and 29 NWNS. Median RM score was 90 (25 – 145). Eighteen participants had a score of ≥100 and 16.7% of these (n=3) had CMS. Scores for the 4 with CMS were 85, 125, 145 and 145. CONCLUSION: At our institution, the incidence of CMS in those that had RM of ≥100 was much lower than reported risk of 66%. This data supports our hypothesis that neurosurgical experience remains a significant risk factor in the development of CMS.
Yu Z, Yang W, He X, et al. Endothelial cell–derived angiopoietin-like protein 2 supports hematopoietic stem cell activities in bone marrow niches. <i>Blood</i>. 2022;139(10):1529-1540.
Authors: Zhuo Yu, Wenqian Yang, Xiaoxiao He, Chiqi Chen, Wenrui Li, Limin Zhao, Ligen Liu, Junling Liu, Li Xie, Yaping Zhang, Junke Zheng
Journal: Blood (2022)
Impacts of subtypes on clinical feature and outcome of male breast cancer.
Authors: Jieun Lee, Keun Seok Lee, Joohyuk Sohn, Kyung-Hee Lee, Kyung Hae Jung, Jae Ho Byun, Su-Jin Koh, Kyoung Eun Lee, Seungtaek Lim, Hee Jun Kim, Hye Sung Won, Hyung Soon Park, Guk Jin Lee, Soojung Hong, Sun Kyung Baek, Soon Il Lee, Moon Young Choi, In Sook Woo
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2022)

e12528 Background: The treatment of male breast cancer (MBC) has been extrapolated from female breast cancer (FBC) because of its rarity despite their different clinicopathologic characteristics. We aimed to investigate the distribution of intrinsic subtypes based on immunohistochemistry (IHC), their clinical impact, and treatment pattern in clinical practice through a multicenter study in Korea. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 248 MBC patients 18 institutions across the country from January 1995 to July 2016. Results: The median age of MBC patients was 63 years (range: 25–102 years). Among the 148 patients that underwent intrinsic subtype classification, 61 (41.2%), 44 (29.7%), 29 (19.5%), and 14 (9.5%) were luminal A, luminal B, HER2, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), respectively. TNBC patients showed inferior survival compared with those with other subtypes. Of the 221 patients with operable breast cancer, 108 (48.6%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and 52 (23.5%) received adjuvant radiation therapy. Most hormone receptor-positive patients (166 patients, 82.6%) received adjuvant endocrine treatment. Five-year completion of adjuvant endocrine treatment was associated with superior disease-free survival (DFS) in patients classified with an intrinsic subtype (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.005–0.65, P = 0.008) and in all patients (HR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.54, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Distribution of subtypes of MBC was similar to FBC and luminal type A was most common. Overall survival tended to be improved for luminal A subtype although there was no statistical significance. Completion of adjuvant endocrine treatment was associated with prolonged DFS in intrinsic subtype classified patients. MBC patients have tended to receive les treatment. MBC patients should be treated with standard guideline as FBC patients receive.
Mechanistic Insights into the Impact of Air Pollution on Pneumococcal Pathogenesis and Transmission
Authors: Daan Beentjes, Rebecca K. Shears, Neil French, Daniel R. Neill, Aras Kadioglu
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2022)

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is the leading cause of pneumonia and bacterial meningitis. A number of recent studies indicate an association between the incidence of pneumococcal disease and exposure to air pollution. Although the epidemiological evidence is substantial, the underlying mechanisms by which the various components of air pollution (particulate matter and gases such as NO2 and SO2) can increase susceptibility to pneumococcal infection are less well understood. In this review, we summarize the various effects air pollution components have on pneumococcal pathogenesis and transmission; exposure to air pollution can enhance host susceptibility to pneumococcal colonization by impairing the mucociliary activity of the airway mucosa, reducing the function and production of key antimicrobial peptides, and upregulating an important pneumococcal adherence factor on respiratory epithelial cells. Air pollutant exposure can also impair the phagocytic killing ability of macrophages, permitting increased replication of S. pneumoniae. In addition, particulate matter has been shown to activate various extra- and intracellular receptors of airway epithelial cells, which may lead to increased proinflammatory cytokine production. This increases recruitment of innate immune cells, including macrophages and neutrophils. The inflammatory response that ensues may result in significant tissue damage, thereby increasing susceptibility to invasive disease, because it allows S. pneumoniae access to the underlying tissues and blood. This review provides an in-depth understanding of the interaction between air pollution and the pneumococcus, which has the potential to aid the development of novel treatments or alternative strategies to prevent disease, especially in areas with high concentrations of air pollution.
Safety and clinical activity of belantamab mafodotin with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): DREAMM-6 arm-A interim analysis.
Authors: Hang Quach, Mercedes Gironella, Cindy Lee, Rakesh Popat, Paul Cannell, Ravi Kasinathan, Bikramjit Chopra, Rachel Rogers, Geraldine Ferron-Brady, Seema Shafi-Harji, Nashita Patel, Joanna Opalinska, Ira V. Gupta, Bradley Augustson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2022)

8017 Background: Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf; BLENREP) is a B-cell maturation antigen-targeting antibody–drug conjugate approved for patients (pts) with RRMM as monotherapy at 2.5 mg/kg Q3W. Preclinical data demonstrate synergy between belamaf and lenalidomide (Len), suggesting added benefit when combined with standard of care such as Len + dexamethasone (Dex). DREAMM-6 (NCT03544281) Arm A is evaluating belamaf in combination with LenDex in pts with RRMM. Methods: This ongoing, two-part, two-arm, open-label study included pts with RMMM previously treated with ≥1 line of therapy (LOT). Pts received 4 belamaf doses/schedules (1.9 mg/kg Q8W or Q4W; 2.5 mg/kg Q4W or Q4W SPLIT dose [50% on Days (D)1, 8] IV) in combination with Len (20 mg PO D1–21) and Dex (20 mg PO/IV D1, 8, 15, 22). Primary objectives were safety (including treatment-related [TR]AEs related to the combination belamaf and LenDex), tolerability, and efficacy (including overall response rate [ORR] defined as ≥partial response). Results: As of this interim analysis (data cut: July 23, 2021), 45 pts received ≥1 dose (12 at 1.9 mg/kg Q8W; 4 at 1.9 mg/kg Q4W; 16 at 2.5 mg/kg Q4W; 13 at 2.5 mg/kg Q4W SPLIT). Across cohorts, the median age was 68 y (range: 36–80). Thirteen pts (29%) had high-risk cytogenetics and 6 (13%) had extramedullary disease. Median prior LOT was 3 (range: 1–11) and 26 (58%) had prior Len treatment. The median duration of follow-up and ORR ranged across cohorts (Table). The median duration of response was only reached in the 1.9 mg/kg Q4W cohort (11.1 mo [95% CI: 3.7–not reached [NR]). At the time of data cut, median progression-free survival was not reached in the 1.9 mg/kg Q8W or 2.5 mg/kg Q4W cohorts. Gr ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 42–85%. Gr ≥3 keratopathy occurred in 0 pts in 1.9 mg/kg Q8W, 1 pt (25%) in 1.9 mg/kg Q4W, 8 pts (50%) in 2.5 mg/kg Q4W, and 6 pts (46%) in 2.5 mg/kg Q4W SPLIT cohorts. Conclusions: Belamaf + LenDex had a tolerable safety profile, with no new safety signals identified in pts with RRMM. AEs, including keratopathy, were common but manageable with dose modifications. Encouraging clinical activity is observed with this combination in pts with RRMM. Follow-up/correlative studies are ongoing. Funding: GSK (Study 207497); drug linker technology licensed from Seagen Inc.; mAb produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Clinical trial information: NCT03544281. [Table: see text]
INSP-09. Using genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived orthotopic xenografts to develop new therapies for pediatric brain tumors.
Authors: Barbara Jonchere, Allison Pribnow, Marie Morfouace, Anang Shelat, Jiyang Yu, Zoran Rankovic, Amar Gajjar, Paul A Northcott, Giles W Robinson, Martine F Roussel
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2022)

Abstract Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Extensive molecular analysis by many groups around the world demonstrated four distinct subgroups, WNT, SHH, Group3 and Group4 that now all have been divided into 11 total subtypes, 8 for Grou3 and Group4 medulloblastoma. SHH with MYCN amplification and TP53 mutations and Group3 with MYC amplification are the most aggressive and the least curable with few to no therapeutic options for recurrent tumors. Over the last two decades, my group developed several murine models for Group3 with MYC and SHH with MYCN overexpression and p53 loss of function and patient-derived orthotopic xenografts that recapitulate the four tumor subgroups. In addition, several human Group3 medulloblastoma lines with MYC amplification have been established in 2D and 3D cultures. I will discuss how the development of these murine and human medulloblastoma models combined with high throughput drug screens and pre-clinical trials at St. Jude led to the identification of new therapies currently evaluated in clinical trials.
EPEN-32. Leveraging cell surface targets as therapeutic vulnerabilities for pediatric ependymoma
Authors: Kelsey Bertrand
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2022)

Abstract Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-associated death in children. Ependymoma, an aggressive type of childhood brain tumor, is currently treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Ependymomas are a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors driven by distinct genetic and epigenetic alterations. In children, 90% of ependymomas arise intracranially, with two thirds occurring in the posterior fossa (PF) and one third in the supratentorial brain (ST). PF ependymomas are divided into at least two groups termed, PFA and PFB, with PFA tumors associated with poor clinical outcomes. Over 70% of ST ependymoma are characterized by an oncogenic fusion between ZFTA and RELA and shown in some cohorts to have poor clinical outcome, particularly in the context of CDKN2A tumor suppressor gene loss. A major challenge in identifying therapies against ependymoma, has been the paucity of genetic abnormalities available for targeting. PFA ependymomas harbor largely balanced genomes with no recurrent CNVs, fusions, or somatic mutations that are amenable to pharmacologic inhibition. ZFTA-RELA ependymoma while representing a clear disease driver, functions as a transcription factor and lacks clear binding surfaces available for direct inhibition using small molecules. Therefore, alternative approaches are needed to identify new targets and effective therapies in ependymoma to be evaluated in pre-clinical models. In both human ependymoma cell culture lines and PDX models, we demonstrate that a multi-omic approach is promising for cell surface target discovery, and further, focused cell surface profiling can identify lead targets that can be rapidly translated for CAR T-cell therapy.
Autopsy and genetic characterization of juvenile sudden cardiac arrest and death: the ToRSADE experience
Authors: V Spinelli, F Girolami, N Maurizi, R Grifoni, V Maio, M Focardi, G Albora, G Nesi, R Coppini, E Cerbai, I Olivotto
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2022)

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): FAS-Salute 2014, regione Toscana Background Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or death (SCD) in young people represents a dramatic event, often leading to severe neurologic outcomes or death. However, the incidence of this phenomenon remains largely unknown, since the recording of cases, and consequently the identification of the underlying causes, requires a multi-professional and disciplinary approach, including genetic counselling. Purpose In this study, we aimed to monitor and investigate SCA and SCD in young people (≤50 years) recorded in the ToRSADE© registry comparing clinical and molecular data. Methods and Results A total of 22 blood samples were analyzed; 14 were collected from dead patients during autopsy and 8 from resuscitated patients after cardiac arrest. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis revealed 38% of total cases with Likely Pathogenetic (LP) variants associated to Cardiomyopathy (CM) or Channelopathy, and 61% with Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS). In three cases, NGS confirmed autopsy and histology findings: the p.(Leu466Phe) variant in SCN5A associated with Brugada Syndrome (1a), the p.(Glu173del) in TNNT2 for Hypertrophic CM (1b) and the p. (Asn480Lysfs*20) in PKP2 for Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (AC) (1c). Conclusions Creation of the ToRSADE© registry allowed implementation of a blood repository for molecular and genetic analysis. Genetic analysis combined with clinical information and post-mortem evaluation constitute a multi-disciplinary approach to juvenile SCD and SCA, while providing medical and genetic assistance to families, public awareness especially among youths and athletes, as well as up-to-date research on the underlying mechanisms of cardiomyopathies.